We have been showcasing the stars behind the scenes that make our stable run smoothly everyday. These unsung heroes are the ones that spoil your horses day in day out and help us achieve results on the racetrack. This week we put the spotlight on Kym Eden…
How did you get into racing?
I can’t remember it was too long ago haha! I grew up on a farm and would ride ponies around the streets and went to pony club, so i’ve always been able to ride. The pony club girls at school did work experience at a racing stable and when they completed the week, they told me “don’t do it, it’s too hard”. I did my work experience at a vet clinic and have always stuck close to horses. I worked at a big flower nursery for a few years but I needed another job. I saw a job advertised in Pakenham with racehorse trainer John Leek and started out there for some time. I used to ride track work in the mornings then go to my nursery job during the day. I decided that the green thumb life wasn’t for me and took up full time work in Ray Cross’s stable. Other than that, I worked at a horse stud in South Gippsland and they had a few racehorses there I would care for. I’ve ridden work and strapped for Greg Eurell, Ken Keys, Nigel Blackiston, Robbie Griffiths, Louise Bonella and did some yearling preparation with Ian Pankhurst.
How long have you worked here?
Twenty years.
What is your role?
Dogsbody! My role is to look after the horses on the ground these days, I make sure they’re all happy and comfortable. I go to the races, general duties around the yard. Fixing things that need fixing.
Who is your favourite horse past or present?
A lot of past ones I loved. I had a share in Brief Eruption (nicknamed Barnsey), I helped name him. The ownership got dissolved so I then got full ownership of him and we decided to jump him over the hurdles. He was successful taking out two hurdle races in Adelaide at Cheltenham Park and Morphettville back in 2006 and winning the Australian jump series. It was the best win I’ve seen, he had this little Irish jockey (Brian Byrnes) on him sitting last the whole race. Barnsey had his head down on the ground almost falling asleep he’d trip over the jumps a bit! When he started shaking him up, he picked up the bit and jumped them like anything, he flew like you wouldn’t believe. He unfortunately did a tendon and was out for a long time, he came back and ran a few placings and had a win at Stawell but was soon retired. He was just a beautiful horse, he was only small but a lovely animal. He was my all time favourite. Can’t forget O’Malley and Briefed who always have a place in my heart.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Home time and seeing them winning races from being happy and healthy.
What is your favourite memory?
Definitely Brief Eruption winning in Adelaide. Also when I was riding trackwork, I won a trial at Cranbourne on Jacques who was also won of my favourites. He drew the outside barrier, we were the widest runner and he just kept going!
What would you do if you weren’t working with horses?
Either a park ranger or a lady of leisure.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Watch TV or gardening if I can be bothered. I’m big on crocheting, I’m making a blanket at the moment. I also like to cook and catch up with family and friends.
What is something that you’ve learnt from EJ?
Patience and attention to detail. I still do things that I’ve learnt off different trainers in my time.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the racing industry?
Be prepared to work hard, it’s a very physical job.
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